Annoying and Overused Phrases to Avoid on Job Interviews

The job interview is often a critically important opportunity to be at your best. You want to be “you” but you also want to be appropriate to the circumstances of the situation. I have wanted to write this article for some time because it addresses a pet peeve of mine – annoying and overused phrases and words. Now, of course, we are all capable of using these words and phrases – I am as guilty as the next person – but when this usage extends to settings like a job interview it becomes annoyingly inappropriate and problematic. When I discussed this over a lunch a few months ago with good friend and millennial expert Lindsey Pollak, we shared our mutual gripes on this topic, and had a good laugh throwing a few examples around.

When I finally set out to write about this I decided to reach out to some of my friends and colleagues who lead major college recruiting programs or large university career services centers to get their insights. Frankly, their reaction surprised me. Their responses came in fast and furious with example after example of things job seekers have said on interviews that, although sometimes providing comic relief, drove them nuts and cost candidates the job offer.

What makes certain otherwise harmless words and phrases annoying and inappropriate is the context and setting. Most damaging is what it can convey to a potential employer. So, if you are in the midst of a job search or preparing for an upcoming interview, here are some real examples from national experts on overused phrases and words you should avoid.

It’s common for interviews to start with a somewhat predictable question about why a candidate is interested in a particular job. Some of our career experts were tired of hearing “I’m interested in something that will allow me to take advantage of my many talents” (their internal response was “And those are?”) or “I’m interested in something that will allow me to grow and develop my skills”. Well who isn’t?

“No problem” or “I don’t have a problem with that” were noted by many as overused phrases. Think about what that answer conveys to an interviewer. It’s not the simple thank you or the positive response the interviewer is seeking. These statements imply that you will “deal with it”, but not necessarily excited by the prospect of doing so. You should add “no biggie” to this group as something not to say during an interview.

“No worries” also topped the list as a phrase applied to so many random situations as a “filler” statement. Everyone has worries, and unless you are an Aussie and can say it with an appropriate accent – adding “mate” to top it off – then it’s best avoided.

Several employers couldn’t believe how many times candidates used what was referred to the new “non-curse curse words” including “screwed” or “pissed”. Apparently “frigging” or “freaking” are seen by some as acceptable substitutes for another term also beginning with theletter “f”. I would be remiss if I didn’t add, “sucks” to this list. The consensus for all of these, “just don’t”.

Another phrase noted by several was “just sayin”, repeated when perhaps too much is said or a candidate has gone too far with a statement. If you need to add this, then you probably have already dug yourself in a bit of a hole and saying “my bad” won’t help very much.

“Wicked cool”, “super excited”, “awesome” “whatever” and “yes, totes”, have also made their way into the interview vernacular and even employers who fall into the Gen Y demographic themselves are not “feeling these”.

Stalling for time by complimenting an interviewer on challenging or even not so difficult questions wasn’t viewed too favorably either. “Wow, what an insightful question” or “Oh my God, what an interesting thing to ask”, did not get high marks as appropriate responses.

Badmouthing former colleagues or other students is always viewed poorly, even if you try to spin it by saying something like “my teammates did not carry their weight on the project, so I had to do the heavy lifting”. Never ever give up your colleagues. It’s simply bad form and a sets alarm bells ringing with interviewers everywhere.

Don’t say things like, “my prior supervisor never took full advantage of what I had to offer”. Even if there was some truth to this, no one wants to hire someone who doesn’t protect their boss, because you won’t protect them if they become yours.

There is universal agreement that confidence is attractive, but not when a candidate goes too far. When asked about career goals, “I want to have your job" or "I want to have a job just like yours” are responses never well received. “I can do anything you need” is often met by the interviewer internal thought: “I am quite certain you can’t.” How things are said, of course, is also critical. One major employer colleague commented to me “what makes me batty is up speak”. Her example? “I am highly accomplished and you would do well to hire me." Another employer colleague explained that once a candidate concluded the interview by saying: “thanks for the interview, but I’m on the fast track”. Even if the job isn’t for you, never disrespect an employer or burn a potential future bridge.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the obvious: too many “ah’s”, likes, “y’know”, and “hmms” can be incredibly distracting from the conversation.

My personal “favorite”, shared by others, is: “I really want to pick your brain”. This visually revolting phrase has become a popular conversation starter when it’s time to ask questions during an interview. The image takes me back to those afterschool horror movies. It’s simply “wicked gross”!

The bottom line is that when you are in an interviewing situation you are showcasing the professional you. Keep it clean, positive and don’t oversell yourself. Humor and a degree of casualness can be fine, but win over the interviewer with well-informed answers and a bit of humility.

I have extensive experience in career services, training and recruiting industries. I am currently the Associate Vice President/Executive Director of Career Development at New York University, and a principal consultant at TruMann Consulting where I work with both domestic ...